Page 70 of Tender Offer
“Yes.”
“I’m Gene, one of the pastry chefs in the restaurant below. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you. I didn’t order anything.”
His handlebar mustache shifts. “Mr. Donnelley requested these for you.” He slides the plated dome into my hands. “There’s a card inside. Have a lovely evening.”
“Thank you.”
Um, what?
I resecure the deadbolt and head to the kitchen, where the island shines under overhead accent lights. There’s an assortment of French pastries beneath the dome.
Profiteroles.
Pain au chocolat.
Éclairs.
Chouquettes.
My favorites are all here.
On the plate is a folded manila card. I smile at the familiar handwriting.
Puff,
I imagine you’re in the kitchen, troubling your lip with those colored markers in your hair. I remember the days when you’d isolate yourself before a big exam. In the spirit of tradition, here are a few of your favorite midnight snacks.
I’m sorry to miss your event, but I know you’ll shine bright like always.
Miss you terribly.
Love,
P
“He remembered,” I whisper.
To say I’d transform into a gremlin before midterms is putting it nicely. I was antisocial and very cranky. Preston found a way to love me and always used my infatuation with pastries to lure me out for a forehead kiss. He gave me my space but always reminded me he would be with me every step of the way.
My ringing phone has me shuffling to the couch with a switch in my step. I answer without peeking at the screen or telling my grin to have a seat.
“Hey, you,” I coo, unable to control myself.
“Hello to you too,” Bellamy says with an evident smirk on the other end.
“Sorry,” I sigh and settle into gray cushions. “I thought you were someone else.”
“The ex for a client, perhaps?”
I smile and glance at the curated dessert tray. “Something like that. Did you need something?”
“Suggestions on an outfit for an unexpected benefit tomorrow,” she says. “I do apologize for the hour. But since you’re up”—her voice shifts—“I want recommendationsanddetails about what has you grinning.”
I bite my lip and head back to the dome for a snack. “How long do you have?”
Chapter 37
